Ink and Impact for Christian Writers | How to Write a Book, Self-Publish, Christian Book, Book Marketing, Nonfiction Book

Torn between too many book ideas—or buried under too much research on one topic? 

In this episode, Dalene Bickel shares a simple, faith-centered framework to help you stop overthinking and finally commit to the right book (or books) to write. 

Discover why bigger isn't always better, how to spot the difference between book types, and the "rule" that instantly tells you whether your idea is one book or several. 

🎧 Listen now, and schedule a book coaching call at dalenebickel.com/coaching. 

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Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

 Every author has been there: a blinking cursor, a looming deadline, and a manuscript that's gone quiet.

In this episode, host Dalene Bickel breaks down why so many Christian authors mistake busyness for progress and she challenges one of the most common productivity myths in the author world. (Hint: it's not about doing less, it's about doing the right two things at once.)

You'll walk away understanding: 

• Why "finishing the manuscript first, then marketing" might be costing you readers.
• The overlooked ingredient that kept Dalene in her seat through her toughest first draft.
• A simple mindset shift that separates authors who publish from authors who just plan to.

This episode offers a grounded, faith-centered framework for breaking through overwhelm without adding more to your plate.
 
Listen now to discover the three-step path forward.

** NEXT STEPS **

Step 1: Subscribe to the Ink and Impact Podcast

Step 2: Join the Publish with Purpose Substack community

Step 3: Download the free Author Journey Map to identify exactly where you're stuck and what to do next.

Step 4: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching 

** CONNECT WITH DALENE **

Contact - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞www.inkandimpact.com

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

In this episode of the Ink and Impact Podcast, host Dalene Bickel sits down with Andy Robinson, a pastor from just south of London, England, and first-time author of The Big C in Me: Life, Hope and Faith on the Road Through Cancer. 

Diagnosed with stage four terminal cancer in January 2023, Andy shares how a devastating prognosis launched him into the deepest questions of faith, purpose, and mortality — and ultimately into writing a memoir that's about far more than illness.

The conversation also dives into:

• How Andy balanced chemotherapy, pastoral leadership, and fatherhood while writing his first book.
• Writing breakthroughs that happened far from home.
• The distinction between honesty and full disclosure when sharing a health journey publicly.

This candid, faith-filled conversation offers practical encouragement not just for those facing cancer, but for anyone processing grief, mortality, or a calling interrupted — and for writers wondering how to actually finish the book they've been meaning to write.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

WayMaker - Andy Robinson's UK-based Christian charity with a global heart, with a particular focus on Africa and Eastern Europe. 

The Big C in Me - Andy Robinson's book about Life, Hope, and Faith on the Road Through Cancer

1:1 Book Coaching with Dalene

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

On this episode of the Ink and Impact podcast, host Dalene interviews guest Dr. Dave Jones, a former Air Force member and professional hockey player turned founder of the Christian advertising agency M Is Good. 

Dave shares how losing his hockey identity led him to faith-driven mentorship and eventually launching his agency. 

Dave advises authors to ground vision in a healthy identity in Christ rather than performance, manage toxic motivators, build community, and market by making your content resonate quickly.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Dave's Marketing Agency: M Is Good 

Dave's New Book:  Plan to Win: How to Manage Your Fear, Lust, Anger Pride While Building Your Christian Organization

Dave's Free Assessment: Plan to Win Today

Connect with Dalene:

Step 1: Join the Publish with Purpose Substack community

Step 2: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

In this episode of the Ink and Impact Podcast, Christian book coach Dalene Bickel speaks directly to the authors who are doing all the things, trying all the tools, and running themselves ragged — yet still not seeing the results they had hoped for.

Using a relatable and vivid analogy, Dalene reframes what it really means to be a productive author and shares five key pillars every Christian writer should focus on to cut through the noise, reclaim their time, and move forward with purpose.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, scattered, or ready to throw in the towel on your writing journey, this episode is for you.

Tune in and discover how to work smarter, not harder, on the path to writing and publishing a book that truly makes an impact!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Mr. Frumble's Coffee Shop Disaster by Richard Scarry — a children's picture book referenced as an illustration of one person trying to do everything at once. 

dalenebickel.com/coaching — link to schedule a one-on-one coaching session with Dalene. The following session types are available: 

• Standout Sessions — focused on marketing efforts
• Book Mapping Sessions — help with outlining, manuscript organization, and getting started with writing
• Publishing Process Sessions — designed for first-time self-publishing authors who need a publishing plan

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

In this episode of the Ink and Impact Podcast, Christian book coach Dalene Bickel reveals three essential questions every Christian author needs to be able to answer before writing or self-publishing their nonfiction book. 

From clarifying your book's purpose to examining your deeper motivations as a writer, this episode challenges you to think differently about your author journey. 

If you're working on a manuscript, preparing to self-publish, or considering a second edition, you won't want to miss these practical and faith-filled insights. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

1. Publish With Purpose Substack community — Dalene's new community where she shares industry updates and hosts live Q&A sessions.
2. Dalene Bickel's personal Substack feed — for following Dalene individually on Substack.
3. dalenebickel.com/coaching — link to schedule a one-on-one book coaching session with Dalene.
4. The One Year Collection of Weekly Writing Prompts: Write Your Life Story One Question at a Time — Dalene's own book, written to help you write your life story.

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

In this episode of the Ink and Impact Podcast, host Dalene Bickel sits down with publishing veteran Terry Whalin — editor, author, and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing — for an eye-opening conversation about the traditional publishing world. 

Terry pulls back the curtain on some of the biggest myths and misconceptions that hold authors back, while sharing insider strategies that could completely change the way you approach your publishing journey. 

If you've ever wondered whether traditional publishing is within your reach, this episode is a must-listen that just might surprise you! 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

10 Publishing Myths: Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed by Terry Whalin — available for $10 (including shipping) with over $200 worth of free bonuses. 

Book Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success by Terry Whalin — available as a free e-book.

The 11th Myth (bonus chapter) — available for free.

Click here to learn more about Dalene's book coaching.

Connect with Dalene:

Contact - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞Ink and Impact

Substack -＞ Publish with Purpose

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel

Work with Dalene:

Get personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

Are you a Christian author who feels stuck, stalled, or held back from sharing the message God placed on your heart? 

In this episode, we uncover the surprising truth behind what is really keeping faith-based writers from finishing and publishing their books — and it may not be what you think. 

Drawing from a powerful passage in 2 Corinthians, this episode delivers a convicting and encouraging word that could be the turning point in your writing journey. 

Tune in and discover what God has to say about your calling as an author! 

Click here to learn more about Dalene's book coaching.

Connect with Dalene:

Contact - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞Ink and Impact

Substack -＞ Publish with Purpose

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel

Work with Dalene:

Get personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

Money isn't spoken about much in writing circles, which is why I invited David Nassief on to be my guest. 

Not only does he share his own inspiring financial journey in this episode, but he also shares how you can steward both your money and your message well.

No matter how much money is in your bank account, you'll benefit from the valuable information David shares.

Be sure to listen in and don't forget to download his free gift to you: The One-Page Wealth Compass PDF

Want to order the book as well? Click here to purchase on Amazon.

Connect with Dalene:

Contact - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞Ink and Impact

Substack -＞ Publish with Purpose

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel

Work with Dalene:

Get personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching 

What additional topics would you like to learn about? 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!

In today's episode, I explain exactly what a book coach is and how you can know when you need one as a Christian writer. 

I have worked in a variety of levels within the publishing industry: First as an editor, then as the founder of Lasting Legacy's Publishing and then, when God called me to specifically call his writers, I became a book coach.

Today I share my passion for helping you get your God-given messages out into the world and explain the benefits of using a book coach. 

Click here to learn more about my coaching.

Connect with Dalene:

Contact - > [email protected]

Podcast -＞Ink and Impact

Substack -＞ Publish with Purpose

FB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickel

Work with Dalene:

Get personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coaching 

What additional topics would you like to learn about? 

Send us Fan Mail

Join my new free Publish with Purpose Substack community for industry updates, live Q&A sessions, and to connect with fellow Christian writers!